I captured this image at Circle B Bar Reserve in Polk County, Florida. The Fire Flag plant is beginning to grow again from dying back in the winter. The blossoms of this plant bring the Purple Gallinules into the open as they climb the stalks to feed. More about Circle B Bar Reserve and Fire Flag and Purple Gallinules in the BAA Middle Florida Photography Site Guide available at this link. The BAA Middle of Florida Site Guide
Nikon D7000
Nikon 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR AF-S ED, camera and lens supported by a monopod
1/500 F/5.6 Matrix Metering EV +1/3 ISO 500 Auto WB, image captured at 240mm
Post processed in Lightroom Classic, Photoshop CC 2020 and Neat Image for noise reduction
Cropped for composition and presentation
Last edited by Joseph Przybyla; 05-26-2020 at 11:27 AM.
Joe Przybyla
"Sometimes I do get to places just as God is ready to have somebody click the shutter"... Ansel Adams
Very nice posture of the subject, and the background makes it stand out. I like the head angle and the catchlight in the eyes. I think a bit more space at the bottom would improve the overall look.
This is my favorite frame you've posted (at least since I've been around). Everything is perfect - pose, eye contact, color, background, detail. The legs/feet really make the shot for me.
I've birded Florida many times but never shot the state, this species being at the top of my want list. I am 100% envious of this one.
Hi Joe. You definitely have cornered the market on these guys, especially in Fire Flag season. This is another great one. I love those feet. Maybe just a touch more sharpening on the bill?